Akpan has been suffering with an ankle injury he sustained against Southampton a month ago, while Federici has also been out for the same amount of time after he sustained a similar injury.

"I'm pleased that Hope Akpan has been able to get on the training ground for a couple of days, whether we select him or not we'll have to wait and see but it looks as though he's over his injury now," said Adkins.

"Adam Federici has been on the training ground a bit today (Thursday) as well so hopefully he's over his ankle injury sufficiently. Apart from that, the lads are in good spirits and raring to go. (Jimmy) Kebe is out for a while but still recovering."

Adkins also had a word on long-term absentee Jason Roberts (hip), who has made significant progress from his recovery.

"Jason comes off his crutches today, so that's really positive. That's a big step forward in his rehabilitation," he added.

Roberts tweeted: "Good day at the Lab, off the crutches, able to do push ups, sit ups etc. That mountain is starting to look a little bit smaller."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?